Companies like Airbnb are popular (and sometimes, more affordable) option for travelers who want a more authentic experience when traveling. But since individual owners are still those who praise the majority of ads, the company has not escaped negative safety reports and sanitation.
On Sunday, a Twitter user claimed to have discovered hidden cameras at a property he was renting for a girls’ trip.
In a series of tweetsTwitter user @foxytaughtyou claimed that an Airbnb she allegedly rented in Philadelphia had more than 10 cameras spread throughout the house, including in shower heads and some even disguised as sprinkler systems.
Related: Internet Tears Airbnb Over High Prices and Hidden Fees: ‘These Prices Are Ridiculous’
“We noticed that these ‘sprinkler’ CAMERAS were placed in specific locations to get the perfect view of people,” she added. wrote. “I was naked and had to change in that room.”
The user also alleged that the Airbnb was listed under a trade name and that she never met or spoke to the true owner, saying phone calls went unanswered and all communication was through messages on the application.
We noticed that these “sprinkler” CAMERAS were placed in specific locations to get the perfect view of people. Luckily it was a girls trip so I didn’t have sex…but I was naked and had to change in that room pic.twitter.com/9SHPLUEpkg
– (@foxytaughtyou) June 12, 2022
She also said the police were contacted and Airbnb simply moved her group to a new listing.
“We reported it to [Airbnb] and at the police station Friday noon and still have not had a[n] update on this matter,” she said. wrote on Twitter. “We have no idea what footage this owner has and what he is doing with it!!!”
The tenant also included a video showing the alleged cameras around the house, including the first one she said she noticed on the ceiling after she and her friends fell asleep on the couch after a night out.
Airbnb confirmed that the Twitter user was an Airbnb guest and that action was taken to help her and reprimand the Airbnb host she rented from.
“Our policies strictly prohibit hidden cameras and we take strong action in the exceptionally rare circumstances where it has been reported, including assisting law enforcement to help them hold criminals accountable,” a spokesperson said. from Airbnb. Entrepreneur. “In this case, our security team has suspended this host and removed this listing from our platform while we fully investigate this report. We are also providing support to our guest, including a full refund. More d information about our security camera policy, including no hidden cameras as well as no recording devices in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas – can be found here.”
Combined, @foxytaughtyou’s series of tweets received over 161,460 likes and tens of thousands of comments from other Twitter users who were as confused as they were disturbed.
“This is so scary,” one user wrote alongside a scared face emoji.
“Having cameras in bedrooms and bathrooms is weird and scary as all hell,” another lamented.
Airbnb’s customer service account, @AirbnbHelp, reached out to the tenant via Twitter, after his thread started going viral.
“We would like to reiterate our willingness to help,” said the the company said. “Please send us the email address linked to your Airbnb account via DM so that our team can follow up. Thank you.”
Airbnb’s policy, pursuant to Company Websitestrictly states that cameras are not allowed in bedrooms or bathrooms.
“Devices should never monitor private spaces (for example, bedrooms, bathrooms, or common areas used as sleeping areas, such as a living room with a sofa bed),” the company’s policy maintains. “Disconnected devices are allowed as long as they are turned off and proactively disclosed to guests.”
The company also has requires hosts to disclose whether or not there are security cameras in outdoor areas or common areas and should always be disclosed if active recording is in progress.
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